Apple stole the show at NAB 2004 (National Association of Broadcasters) by unveiling updates for all of its major professional digital video applications and a brand new motion graphics program called Motion.

Speculation had been rife before the Las Vegas trade show that Apple would be making a major announcement after the firm issued cryptic invitations to the media containing the phrase “Moving Pictures. Moving Sound. Moving the industry.” Nobody was expecting to see Apple launch a rival to Adobe’s mighty After Effects suite, though, especially one priced at just £199.

Motion is designed to make motion graphics – a notoriously complicated subject – far easier to create. NAB showgoers cheered as the program was demonstrated.

The software allows users to create animated text, video and graphics; add and instantly preview multiple filter and particle effects to DV footage; and apply natural movement to type and graphics without the need for complicated keyframing commands like those seen in programs like After Effects.